Florida Keys Dive Spots to Add to Undersea Bucket List

As well as the continental United States’ only coral barrier reef, the Florida Keys feature unique dive spots that provide unparalleled adventures for underwater enthusiasts. The majestic Christ of the Deep statue, an artificial reef created from a historic Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad bridge, and much more await divers in the island chain. KEY LARGO … Read more

Catch, Clean, and Cook with Florida Keys Spiny Lobster

The Florida Keys, known for their stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life, offer an incredible opportunity for adventure seekers and food enthusiasts alike. Among the many delicacies that grace the waters of the Keys, the Florida Keys Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus) stands out as a delectable treat for seafood aficionados. We will take you … Read more

Recreational – Commercial Spiny Lobster Season Opens August 6 

The recreational and commercial spiny lobster season starts Aug. 6 and runs through March 31.  Learn more about bag limits, size limits, where to harvest, and other regulations at MyFWC.com/Marine by clicking on “Recreational Regulations” and “Lobster,” which is under the “Crabs, Lobster and other Shellfish” tab. If you plan to lobster in the Keys, another great … Read more

Stone Crab – Is Recreational Crabbing For You

The main Stone Crab harvest method used in both the commercial and recreational fisheries is a baited trap. Some recreational crab fishers collect crabs by hand (using scuba or snorkel gear). Most fishermen use traps. In the commercial stone crab fishery, traps are put out in long lines of up to 100 traps where each … Read more

Florida Keys Synchronized Coral Reef Spawning Creates New Life

Divers interested in viewing the underwater phenomenon of coral spawning can join Florida Keys dive operators during select Coral Reef Spawning charters — twilight trips to shallow reefs on or around the full moons in August and September to watch the reproductive action along the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef. Scientifically observed … Read more

Florida Keys Public Awareness Campaign Spiny Lobster Sport Season

An extensive public awareness initiative has begun to help leisure Florida Keys travelers and residents have an enjoyable, safe and non-impacting experience during both the two-day Spiny Lobster Sport Season and the traditional lobster harvesting season. A dedicated website, KeysLobsterSeason.com, includes interactive videos with need-to-know dive and boating safety tips, up-to-date rules, regulations for lobster hunting … Read more

2021 Spiny Lobster Sport Lobster Season In The Florida Keys

Traditionally, thousands of Keys visitors and residents participate in the spiny lobster sport season. Officials emphasize that it’s important to catch lobsters responsibly and protect their habitats. Florida lobster “mini” sport season, named for its short time duration, begins at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 28, 2021, and ends at midnight Thursday, July 29, 2021. The … Read more

Wily Florida Lobster Can be Elusive

The antennae sticking out of the hole gave the creature away. So with great caution and care, I placed my tickle stick behind the Florida Lobster and tried to gently coax it into my net. But with one flip of its tail, it shot out between my legs like a cartoon crustacean, leaving nothing but … Read more

FWC 2021-2022 Manatee and Sea Turtle Decals 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) just released the new 2021-2022 manatee and sea turtle decals. These high-quality waterproof stickers feature two different designs and are a fun way for people to directly support research, rescue and management efforts that conserve these species and spread awareness about the challenges they face. Each July, … Read more

The Basics to Kayak Lobstering

This article isn’t specific about the Florida Keys but most of the information matches what you would do here. Once lobster season rolls around in Florida, the excitement [for Kayak Lobstering] couldn’t be any more on fire. Being the popular thing to do (with a nice payout) many head to the Florida Keys to go … Read more

Reef-Wide Outplanting of Corals Begins in Florida Coral Reefs

FWC, DEP, and our coral reef restoration partners announce the recent successful outplanting of 1,152 coral colonies along the Florida Coral Reefs as part of the largest coordinated experimental outplanting effort in Florida to date.  Reef restoration experiments in Florida have never been replicated on such a large scale before, with 24 outplanting sites spanning from … Read more

Lower Florida Keys Underwater Music Festival Make Waves for Reef Protection

Divers and snorkelers can explore a portion of the continental United States’ only coral barrier reef while enjoying an Underwater Music Festival that promotes reef preservation Saturday, July 10, in the Lower Florida Keys. The 37th annual Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival, a melodic experience that spotlights environmentally responsible diving as well as reef protection, … Read more